The Ministry of Science & Technology reported the successful completion of the fourth edition of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party held from September 7-12, 2026, at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. The event attracted approximately 40 amateur astronomers and astrophotographers from 12 states across India, including Chandigarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
A significant public engagement component was the Open Night on September 10th, which drew over 1,200 local community members and tourists. Participants and HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors facilitated telescope viewing sessions and answered astronomy-related questions throughout the evening. Senior officials from various organizations in the area were specifically invited for telescope viewing and briefed on the importance of controlling light pollution in the region.
The event included special training sessions for the 25 HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors, local villagers who have been trained over the past three years to conduct astronomy tours for tourists. These ambassadors have been supplied with telescopes by the Government of Ladakh. Expert participants at the Star Party served as mentors, providing practical training in night sky watching and astrophotography techniques.
The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, notified by the Government of Ladakh in December 2022, represents an astronomy-based socio-economic development initiative built on two key concepts: reducing light pollution to benefit ongoing research at the Observatory and promoting astro-tourism to create benefits for local communities. The reserve is anchored by the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology.
Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA, emphasized the event's role in highlighting the importance of preserving Hanle's pristine dark skies for both scientific research and public benefit. Prof. DK Sahu, Scientist in charge of the Observatory, noted the importance of safeguarding Hanle's dark skies given the proposed 3.7-m upgraded Himalayan Chandra Telescope and the 13.7-m National Large Optical-infrared Telescope planned for the location.